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Category Archives: Contentment

Contentment is based on the fear of the Lord. Proverb 19:23 “The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that has it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil” (KJV) whereas the (NLT) version states “Fear of the Lord leads to life bringing security and protection from harm” It is thus clear that the secret of contentment lies in having to bear good and bad situations without being overjoyous during good times, or despondent because of bad times in life. To my mind, contentment is an equalizer to the swinging pendulum of life. It allows humanity to focus on valuable ends rather than sulking, withdrawing from reality and allowing fear to dominate ones life.

A contented man is not he who is completely enjoying without facing any odds in life. The focus of a true believer in Christ is in that man or woman of faith who exercises his faith in Christ as his or her redeemer. Nobody can claim to be sinless for the bible tells us “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”Roman 3:23 (NKJV) In Deuteronomy 8:18, it is written “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth….” The high point here is the important situation of obeying the will of God whether favorable or not. When one has developed total dependence on God through Christ, it will be easy to find contentment or solace in HIM . God will not abandon anyone who honors Him, no matter what.

A believer who sins will always be forgiven if he or she would penitently ask for forgiveness. Without self-conceit one is free to ask for forgiveness and to be re-enabled to endure trying moments. A wealthy man with contentment will understand that it was God that gave him the wherewithal to make wealth. If he realizes this fact, he should be prepared to listen to the petition of his employee and put things right if he is guiltless. The petition of the employee or subordinate should not be considered as insult, rather the matter must be investigated or analysed to see the reason why matters went that way. He would never contemplate usurping other people’s property or right. In sickness and in good health, and in life’s vicissitudes, he would praise God. The bible taught us to pray without ceasing, more so in times of intimidation, oppression, backbiting and many more to be able to maintain our equanimity or contentment.

God changes not and Jesus is there to intercede for all especially for those who love the Lord. In Philippians 4: 11-12, Paul gave his recipe for contentment thus, “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learnt both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” Paul topped the thought on contentment that saw him surviving in spite all the sufferings that he went through “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into foolish and harmful lust which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1Timothy 6: 6-10 (NKJV)